The Vietnamese Catholic Church of Martyrs in Sacramento, CA is making news for their claim that a statue of Jesus in the church is weeping blood. They claim this is a miracle and Catholics of all ethnic backgrounds are flocking to the parish. Believe it or not this is still an interesting story. I saw it on BBC news a few nights ago.

These reports happen all the time. Puh-leeeeeeze! The only thing miraculous about them is that some dunderhead actually believes them.

Jesus in the streaked window! Jesus shaped rock! My stool this morning looked like John the Baptist. Sadly I flushed it!

Did you bid on the "Grilled Jesus" sandwich that somebody was selling on Ebay a few months back? Some knucklehead with way too much money actually paid a couple of hundred bucks for it!

[ November 30, 2005, 12:11 PM: Message edited by: FireMikeTiceNow ]

Let me guess - Jesus is weeping over abortion.
Or maybe because there are so many gay priests...

Hey Hey Hey, Get the story right. It was the Virgin Mary in the grilled cheese!! I don't know why it couldn't be Cher, Madonna or Mother Teresa!! It WAS Mary, of course....everyone knows that....

Oh my bad. Mary in the cheese, Jesus in the salami. I guess it would be more appropriate if they were in baloney sandwiches.

Jesus and the rest of his Scooby Gang make more appearances than Paris Hilton and whatever Greek shipping heir she's banging this week.

Wow, Paris has a new boyfriend? Now THAT'S news!

I just reported this tale. I don't believe it. If the Catholics do then good for them. I'm Jewish and don't accept Christianity, but if this statue gives them hope then good for them.

God to Homer: "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to appear in a tortilla in Mexico."

I'm always mystified when I hear about someone seeing Jesus or Mary in some object or other. Mystified because we don't know what they actually looked like.

I bought some packaging tape with Jesus on it. Should that be considered a miracle?

FMTN, I believe it was a Casino in Vegas (the same one that advertises on the backs of boxers) that bought the grilled cheese sandwhich with the vision of mary on it. They bought several other items like that too.

Oh my God! Last night's South Park featured a story about a Virgin Mary statue bleeding from it's ass. Too effin funny! Best line: "Her divine ass blood has miraculous healing powers"

[ December 08, 2005, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: FireMikeTiceNow ]

You know, I saw this thread listed and had a thought, before I even saw the post about South Park: "How come they never find any Jesus statues that are pissing?"

[ December 08, 2005, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

Per Erik G:
Apparently Mary is showing up in his vomit as well.

HOLLA!

Oh no, Herr, that was simply a meth-induced image that Erik saw. Hey Erik, have you ever seen Jesus in that white powder? I hear Jesus doesn't like meth.

The Mother Teresa Sticky Bun was stolen Christmas Eve from the Bongo Java coffee bar in Tennessee. A customer has offered a $1000 reward for the return of the Nun Bun. They've been displaying the bun for 9 years now.

A quote from the owner: "The Nun Bun has really helped build the community here."

Um, doesn't just about every sticky bun look like Moms T?

The scary thing is that it's nut cases like this that are trying, way to successfully for my taste, to take over this country. It amazes me that the Catholic Church has any credibility left. Bleeding/crying statues, stigmatas, exorcisms and other such fairy tales that they want to "investigate" themselves but not let scientist study. Give me a break. Is it any wonder that these hocus pocus, dark ages mentality people could be so wrong about homosexuality?

I consider myself a Christian in that I try to follow the teachings and examples of Christ, because that is my historical, cultural reference (spirituality ). But I just don't buy into ANY of the supernatural mumbo jumbo that humans have used to impress and control the weak minded masses (religion :mad: ).

Science is NEVER a threat to spirituality but is ALWAYS a threat to religion.

Um, it's not the Catholic Church that's pushing these images. Just some creative and somewhat challenged members.

The Catholic Church has "validated" and endorsed every type of "miracle" that I mentioned above.

They have given official blessings to bleeding statues throughout their history up to the present day. They have also made millions and millions of dollars selling these "miracles".

They have "confirmed" the miracle of Stigmata and then been humiliated when the recipient of said miracle was caught on tape cutting his palms and forehead with a concealed razor blade. Besides these "wounds of Christ" ALWAYS seem to appear on the palms, like all the romanticized renaissance paintings, rather than on the lower forearm/wrist where the actual crucifixion wounds would be.

When a window in a bank here in Clearwater developed streaks that looked like an abstract rainbow image of a woman wearing a hijab (head scarf) the Church bought the building, erected a cross and seating area, turned it into a shrine and advertised it as a miracle.

I would call that pushing.

Strangely enough, though EVERYONE has seen thousands of Muslim women wearing the hijab and NO ONE has ever seen Mary, no one seemed to think the image looked like a Muslim woman. People see what they want to see and weak minded people see what they need to see.

They may not endorse every corn chip that looks like the Blessed Virgin but they are certainly up to their pointy hats in the ones that they have.

[ December 28, 2005, 07:18 AM: Message edited by: UMRebel/Bucfan ]

Bleeding statues = fraud.

Found one a few years ago...it wasn't pissing...does cum count?

UM, I never heard of the Catholic church endorsing anything of the sort, at least up here. I attend church weekly, and I am certain our priest would have made mention of something of that magnitude. We had a similar event last fall on the Fullerton underpass of the Kennedy expressway, and I know for certain the Catholic church did not buy the underpass, nor did they set up seating for the faithful. Someone came along and vandalized it, then the city was forced to power-wash the salt stain that looked like Mary. If things of this sort give the weak some hope in their lives, then I say keep 'em coming. One thing I think we can all agree upon is that there is not enough hope in this world. A little more hope, even if in the form of a salt stain or a crying stature, certainly couldn't hurt.

[ December 28, 2005, 09:54 PM: Message edited by: millerbeach ]

I've seen priests go to alot of these sites. IMO, just by going these priests are endorsing such nonsense. And the mere fact that they don't discourage these incidents speaks volumes about where the church comes down on the issue. Even Mother "Don't Wear a Condom, Just Keep Pumping Out Those Kids in One of the World's Most Impoverished Nations" Teresa knew all about the Miracle Sticky Bun and only discouraged it when the coffee shop started selling t-shirts and other such things.

Miller, I hate to break it to you but UMRebel is right. I live in the Tampa Bay area and can tell you that what he says about the church buying the bank building and turning it into an official shrine is absolutely true. I pass by it every day on the way to work driving up US 19. Even after someone shot the window out with a sling shot a year or so ago, there is still a crowd of people, including priests, there every day lighting candles and praying to the window. I am also a practicing Catholic and I can't believe that you are not aware of the Church's endoresment and promotion of thousands of these so called miracles. From Lourdes to Largo FL, the church has put its name on these things and made tons of money off of the people who flock to see them. I still believe in the church even if I disagree with alot of aspects and actions of it. If you're suggesting that it's a good thing to give weak people hope by lieing to them and making fools of them I would have to disagree with you. That kind of hope is empty and leads to dispair when the thing in which they placed their hope is proven to be a fraud. A church based in TRUTH doesn't need to deceive its followers to give them hope. If the church doesn't condemn things done in its name, then they are supporting them by default. Especially when they set up shrines where ordained priests and nuns, who are official representatives of the church, are seen lighting candles, praying, conducting mass, selling souveniers and collecting donations.

[ December 29, 2005, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: JDHfromNCState ]

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAtt...ractionNo==5296

one of the articles claims that the building was a former car dealership but that is incorrect. It was a bank which was unable to do business because of the throngs of people who descended on the site.

http://www.sofc.org/

Notice the second picture on this link. Sure looks like an official shrine to me. I assure you that the bank didn't erect the crucifix. Notice the nun under the umbrella taking donation$ and $elling candle$. The Catholic church certainly lets nuns and priests who work with gays know that they are out of line with church doctrine but I don't think they've sent a cease and desist order to the priests and nuns who run this shrine.

Try doing a google search on sightings of the Virgin Mary and other miracles. Check out how many are referenced on official and unofficial Catholic web sites.

[ December 29, 2005, 12:17 PM: Message edited by: JDHfromNCState ]

Boy, and here I was worried the hatred this board has for the Catholic church was somehow diminished. What a sigh of relief! The hatred is still intact. I was only commenting on an event that happened here in Chicago, of which I have first-hand information. I am not aware of what has happened in Tampa or several other places. I apologize if I appeared to know what was going on at a shrine in Tampa. Again, if a crying statue makes someone happy, let them be happy. Why all the hate?

Millerbeach, don't take it personally - when it comes to spiritual matters, we all have to find our own way. I am glad that you can find that peace and solace in a catholic church, which must be a real exception to the catholic churches I have visited over the years. If it seems like we hate the catholic church, well, it's because it hates us. Well, that's why I mostly despise/hate it anyway, and also because I find it to be the biggest hypocrite in the world. Just a week ago, I was sitting at a funeral mass, and the priest had the nerve to say "at communion time, you must be catholic, and not only catholic but a catholic in good-standing". I was appalled - what the hell does that mean, in good-standing?? I'm sure all of us in church and even the priest himself had some 'sin' they were carrying that day.

My partner and I stayed in our pews (i don't even pretend to want to participate in anything catholic these days), and then I watched all our sinful friends and family go up and receive communion. I'm not making a mockery of it but in my opinion, we should all be welcomed to receive the body and blood of our Lord, and not let some "man" tell us whether or not we are worthy.

Anyhow, I can't speak for others but I despise the catholic church first because they are not welcoming to our gay brothers and sisters, but you know, even if they were - considering all their other faults, misconceptions, and hypocrisies that have been exposed in recent years, it would still not be my choice.

But don't take it personally - we might hate the church but we certainly love our catholic brothers and sisters! wink Instead of hate the sin, love the sinner...it's hate the church, love the catholic!

I try to be relatively quiet about religion and homosexuality, but this time I just can't.

The poster above mentioned that people's hatred of the Catholic Church is justified by their hatred of gay people. First of all, that's a weak argument- since when is it a good idea to hate someone because they hate you? We should be working to build understanding and trust to break down the fear that causes hatred.

Secondly, the Catholic Church does not, I repeat, DOES NOT hate gay people. There is WAY more to the Church than some old white Italians (and a German) in Rome and some "revelations" of God in sandwiches and salt stains. The Church is about the people, and on the whole, most of the Catholics I have encountered (lots, since I go to a Catholic Church and have gone to Catholic schools for 12 years) do not hate gay people, but rather do not understand them. If someone doesn't understand you, do you turn around and say you hate them? No, you try to bridge the gap of ignorance: no, gay people didn't choose to be gay; no, homosexuality is not a sin.

Third, if the Catholic Church really did hate gay people, then something about the sinfulness of gay people would be listed in the Catechism, the book holding the official teachings of the Church. However, the Catechism clearly states that gay people are NOT sinners, and deserve the same love and respect as all other people.

I fully understand why people can dislike the Catholic Church, but there is no reason to say it's because they hate us. Sure, members of the Church don't get it, but should we hate people simply because they don't understand?

Grow up miller. I never said I hate the Catholic Church. Show me one time that I indicated or insinuated that I hate the Catholic Church. I didn't get the "Catholic hating" vibe from anything that JDH said either. In fact he is a practicing Catholic. Doesn't seem likely that he would continue being a part of something he hated. Are you one of those people who thinks that if you disagree with any position of an organization then you hate it? I disagree with the way we went to war with Iraq, do you think I HATE America? Maybe I'm a commie pinko anarchist ever though I served 12 years in the US Marine Corp. and Reserves and served honorably and enthusiastically in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm (the legitimate Iraq war). I disagree with planks in the Republican platform. Do I hate conservatives? I disagree with planks in the Democratic platform. I guess I hate liberals. Actually I'm a conservative liberal, or am I a liberal conservative. It's hard to decide since I hate both. Well I hate to break it to you but that is just hooey. If that were true I would hate everything and everybody because I don't agree with anyone or anything 100%. I don't hate anyone but there are things that I hate. The Catholic church is not one of them although there are things about it that I hate. And yes I mean hate. Dislike would not adequately describe my feelings for the Spanish Inquisition or the Crusades. According to your logic, you have to approve of these things or you hate the Catholic Church. Hooey!

Do you believe 100% in everything that the Catholic church, or any church, or any organization says and does? I hope not. The Bible speaks of people as sheep but I don't think it was meant to be taken literally, although my Southern Baptist background teaches that everything in the Bible is literal. Since I don't agree with them on this I guess I HATE Baptists too.

For the record I LOVE any church that shares the message and example of Jesus Christ: love, grace, charity, equality etc. I hate when ANY church clouds His ministry with human regulations, restrictions and manipulations in order to deceive, control or coerce their followers.

[ December 30, 2005, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: UMRebel/Bucfan ]

Regarding what the poster below me is implying I said, read this: I hate the CHURCH institution itself and what "it" stands for and not the PEOPLE of the church.

And yes, I have come to hate the church (notice I said church and not people) not only BECAUSE it hates "who" I am, but of course that adds to my overall feeling but I despise it for OTHER reasons, as well. I didn't start out to hate the church, hell, I even had 16 years of education in their institution, but when it rejects you (and don't tell me it doesn't - did you read their latest doctrine on banning gay priests), why should I try and bridge any gap with them?

The church is supposed to be a "spiritual" leader - so why don't you write to them, or visit your local church and tell them to open their hearts to gay people and stop using them us as scapegoats. Or better yet, why not tell them to ban straight priests, who might have heterosexual tendencies, that might lead them to engage in sex with women, or worse yet, with young girls.

Like I said earlier, if the catholic church meets your spiritual needs, I'm happy for you. The church might be full of people that do not hate us, but all messages from the hierarchy demonstrate otherwise.

Again, I don't hate catholic PEOPLE, just the CHURCH. Get it now?

[ December 30, 2005, 08:01 AM: Message edited by: Di ]

metromathis13: I just went to your profile and how ironic that these are your own words from your web site:

School: Going to a Catholic school may be right for some people, but I don't think it was the best choice for me personally. I understand that high school is tough overall, but I refuse to believe that other people constantly find themselves as the only one thinking a certain way. And sure, half of the people who go to Catholic schools are not super-religious, but the ones who are get on your nerves real fast. OK let's cut the crap. This used to be a censored site (i.e. I used to censor what I wrote to make it sound like I was straight.), but now it's not. Catholic schools suck because there are NO open gay students or teachers and there is no GSA and any attempt at forming one would be vehemently shot down. Not to mention if I came out, the school could technically kick me out and there'd be nothing I could do.

Now I know when you say "catholic schools" suck you mean the school itself and certainly not the catholic people that make up the catholic schools, right?

Happy New Year's Kid and I mean that kindly wink

[ December 30, 2005, 08:11 AM: Message edited by: Di ]

uh oh metro, watch out, them's hatin words according to miller. You're not allowed to think that Catholic schools, or any particular Catholic school, sucks without thinking that the Catholic Church sucks. It's all or nothing buddy.

So now you only believe things, for which you have first hand information. Unless you have spoken directly with Jesus Christ then none of your religious beliefs fit into the category of first hand information.

Don't want to be the one to break it to you but there's a whole world out there that your priest hasn't made mention of. There are even alot of things that happen within the church that your priest doesn't make mention of. I know that this may seem scarey to you but it's OK.

Clearly you were doubting that these things happened anywhere since your priest never mentioned it and clearly you were questioning the validity of the story from Clearwater since the church didn't buy the underpass and set up seating in your town. Then when someone else, a Catholic, backed my story up and even posted pictures then all of the sudden all involved are Catholic haters.

I don't want to speak for Di but I think, in a nut shell, she appreciates the pure spirituality upon which the Catholic Church is based but hates the organized religion and political aspects of it that have bastardized that very spirituality. That could be said of any church, denomination and even any religion. I believe all churches do good but that doesn't mean I should ignore or remain silent when I believe that they are doing something bad. That shouldn't be translated into hate.

I am a spiritual person who's cultural tradition follows the teachings/example of Jesus Christ. I am a former Southern Baptist because I am no longer a religious person. Amazingly the less religious I became the more spiritual I became.

Millerbeach, don't get me wrong, I am very proud to be a Christian and I'm greatful for many of the things that the Catholic Church did to advance the faith. Please don't misinterpret what I say as hate of the Church.

I think you are a sincere and kindhearted person and no doubt a good Catholic. I salute you for your faith though I may disagree with you on details. I'm sorry if my style seems insulting. It's not intended. I respect you as a person and as a fellow Christian and as a man. And if modern miracles make anyone feel good then more power to them. Notice I didn't condemn people who were helped by these "miracles" even though I do feel that they are weak minded and shouldn't be taken advantage of. I only condemn the OFFICIAL use of them in order to dupe the weak. You may not feel that the church ever officially recognizes and profits from them, on that we may disagree, but I'm sure we will agree that, assuming it happens, no one should be deceived in the name of Christ or the church.

[quote]UMRebel/Bucfan:
[QUOTE] I don't want to speak for Di but I think, in a nut shell, she appreciates the pure spirituality upon which the Catholic Church is based but hates the organized religion and political aspects of it that have bastardized that very spirituality. That could be said of any church, denomination and even any religion. I believe all churches do good but that doesn't mean I should ignore or remain silent when I believe that they are doing something bad. That shouldn't be translated into hate.

I am a spiritual person who's cultural tradition follows the teachings/example of Jesus Christ. I am a former Southern Baptist because I am no longer a religious person. Amazingly the less religious I became the more spiritual I became. [/quote]UMRebel/BucFan: I think we are on the same wavelength, only you are much better at expressing yourself, and speaking for me! wink I am a former catholic and a former born-again christian. Next step to finding a spiritual family is to visit our local Universal Unitarian church. I, for one, am a person that needs to have a spiritual base in my life, and in the end, I suppose I will have to find it and my 'higher-power' outside of any organized religious institution. Maybe I'm just too critical of organized religion...but I've grown tired of all the hypocrisies that I found in them over the years.

90% of the people in my life are catholics, some practicing, some non-practicing, and I often tell them how I feel about the church, and deep down, most of them feel the same way but they were born and raised that way and I respect their decision to practice their faith how they want, but that doesn't mean I have to respect the institution where they practice. And most people don't adhere to the teachings of their churches when it comes to dealing with gays on a personal level, or with a lot of other matters, but most of them won't think about standing up to the church for fear of being outcasted. I don't push them because we're all on different spiritual ladders with different needs...and we're not always going to be in the same place. Hell, my mom has a set of rosary beads in each pocket and in every room, and recently told my sister-in-law that she fears my partner and I might be going to hell because we are lesbians, and I love her to death, but this is one of many reasons why I despise what the catholic church teaches...

Enough rambling for now...

That was from my wesbite, which, if you'll look on the front page hasn't been updated since the start of the year.

Let me say this. My attempt at starting a Gay-Straight Alliance at my school was not vehemently shot down. When I had homophobic chants on a bus ride home from the senior retreat hurled at me, the administration acted with alarm and alacrity. When I came out to the teacher who is my club's advisor, he didn't react negatively at all. When I came out to my English teacher, she cried tears of joy. The last year of Catholic schooling has taught me that it's really what you make of it. I didn't try to get a positive experience out of it, so I didn't have a positive experience. Once I actually opened up and tried to have fun and be myself, my school has suddenly become cool.

And actually, I know full well that my pastor and the pastor of the other Catholic church in my city both know that I am gay and both accept me. Benedict may go psycho knowing there are gay Catholics, but the common people who really make up the Church understand that we exist.

Di, try out your local UCC (United Church of Christ). Though not all, the vast majority are open and affirming to their gay and lesbian members and even have a public statement saying as much. Although they are open and affirming of their gay/lesbian members the church is mostly straight and isn't centered around gay issues. That was one thing I liked about it more than the local MCC. I have nothing against the MCC and feel that they have a great ministry but I personally didn't like the fact that I felt that the church revolved as much, if not more, around the rainbow than around the cross. Let me make it clear that that is just my opinion and by no means means that I hate the MCC or its members.

I recently joined my local UCC and have SOOOO enjoyed the high level of spirituality and lack of religion. I have never been a part of a church that felt more Christian. Check out the UCC website at www.ucc.org

Although "hate" was a feeling/emotion attributed to me but was never expressed by me, let me repost a statement that I made on another thread where the "hate" discussion seems to be getting out of hand.

Hopefully this will help people on this thread understand that the difference of opinions may be more over semantics than ideals.

[ December 30, 2005, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: UMRebel/Bucfan ]

I was raised in and confirmed in the United Church of Christ, and treasure most of its values -- particularly its devolved governance. So, forgive me if I go on too long, but...

I would caution against making overly broad statements such as "Though not all, the vast majority are open and affirming to their gay and lesbian members and even have a public statement saying as much." One of the key tenets of the UCC derives from one of its parent churches, the Congregationalists of New England -- that is, the automony of the individual congregation. As such, with the UCC, it's important to remember that statements emenating from the denomination's headquarters in Cleveland do not bind local UCC congregations. Simply, UCC headquarters does not, and cannot, speak for a local congregation. Each congregation is free to act in accordance with the collective decision of its members, "guided by the working of the Spirit in the light of the scriptures. But it also is called to live in a covenantal relationship with other congregations for the sharing of insights and for cooperative action under the authority of Christ." (props to ucc.org)

The other parent of the modern UCC is the German Evangelical and Reformed Church. Almost all UCC churches in Pennsylvania and to the west that were in existence at the time of the UCC's founding in the 1950's derive from the E&R church. Its history is very traditional, even for a reformed denomination. As such, much of the social policy advocated by headquarters is assuredly not embraced by the denomination's membership in many areas. Sadly, I can think of more than one UCC congregation in which you might not get the kind of warm welcome you depict.

Finally, I recall seeing that you were raised in a very conservative, Baptist family. Perhaps that's why you experience worship and membership in the UCC as spiritual, rather than religious (and perhaps I misunderstood what you meant). I hope in time as you get to know the UCC better, you might change your view, and see that the two -- the spiritual and the religious -- are part of the same whole.

[ December 30, 2005, 12:56 PM: Message edited by: PennState4Ever ]

Back to the original thread: a weeping statue. The Bible quotes Jesus as berating the people of his day for asking for a sign (St Matthew 12:38ff). People who expect to see all kinds of things where they hope to are asking for signs. The French have a saying: "The more things change; the more they remain the same."

Thank you eftergivende! This was supposed to be a fun little thread about the silliness of these sightings that somehow derailed into a debate over the Catholic Church. We've already got numerous threads on that issue.

Back in line with your original posting I think the statue weeping blood story is funny. I also thought the South Park episode about the statue bleeding out the ass was funny although I couldn't help but think I was gonna be struck by lightning every time I laughed. Guess it's part of the Baptist blasphemy baggage that I haven't shaken yet. Since I didn't get struck down I guess I'll be OK.

UM, I can still laugh at some of the hypocrisy of the church, I can also laugh at the scarcasm of South Park. I too have a good sense of humor. Sometimes, that sense of humor comes in very handy when trying to deal with organized religion. I can't know all of what you or anyone else has gone through regarding religion and your own life. I can only speak of where I am at this time in my life. There was a time when I felt no need for organized religion, then I found this church. Something brought me to it, and I happen to think it was divine intervention. No facts, just a gut feeling. It really saddens me to hear of events such that Di went through. Things like that really do give the Church a black eye, and rightfully so. If that priest had better communicated the rules regarding Communion, he may not have offened so many. Di, I am certain you were not the only person put-off by his comments. Had I been seated next to you, I too would have been put-off by his comments. I guess I am very fortunate to have found the church that I did. I doubt I would have the patience for a church that wouldn't accept me the way God made me. How and why I found this church, I cannot explain. We could get a different priest tomorrow, and it could all turn on its head. I'll never let a human get in the way of my love for Jesus. It may sound corny, but it is from my heart.

Amen, millerbeach, I agree with you. I've told people that try to condemn me and say that I'm not a Christian or that I'm going to hell that they don't have the power to separate me from my God. My background with the S. Baptist church did cause me a lot of grief and has left me with some baggage, but as they say, anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I think my bad experiences with the SBC gave me a better and deeper appreciation for my true spirituality and the pure form of Christianity that I have found in the United Church of Christ.

www.UCC.org

Excuse the shameless promotion.

I also want to commend you millerbeach, for your polite, gentlemanly and Christian character. You handle yourself with grace and dignity and it is very much noticed and respected. I know I can test the patience of Job sometimes, but your kind manner tends to disarm hotheads like me. And boy does that piss me off! wink

[ December 31, 2005, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: UMRebel/Bucfan ]

It appears that Comedy Central has caved under pressure from a Catholic group -- they failed to air a scheduled repeat of this episode without explanation, and pulled screencaps of the episode from their websites. Sad.

UM, we may have disagreed before, and we may disagree again in the future, but it is your passion of conviction that I have respect for...I also find that trait very sexy in a man. Oh heck, I find it sexy in a woman too.

That's a shame! Comedy Central has never caved like this before as they've rerun other episodes that mocked religion-the Terry Schiavo episode as well as the Child Molestation episode for example. I thought this one was mild in comparison to those others.

The Virgin Mother menstrating...ha ha. Tell me when to quit laughing. I think it's sick, not funny at all. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have a wonderful sense of humor, there is simply no humor in making fun of the Virgin Mary. I wouldn't really expect a non-Catholic to understand why this is not only not funny, but in extremely poor taste. So, when is the episode poking fun at the holocaust coming up? You all should be rolling on the floor over that one. Maybe they'll have a special KKK lynching episode. Oh boy, I can hardly wait.

Well, there was the episode where the boys got sent to Devitzen's Tolerance Camp to have their homophobic tendencies programmed out of them. Devitzen's was set as a Concentration Camp with a German-accented head master. Then there was "The Passion of the Jew" episode where Cartman, using Passion of the Christ, inspired the townspeople to march down main street while chanting in German for the extermination of the jewish people. Cartman's line as his plan was foiled was "But what about my final solution?" And the halloween episode where Cartman is dressed up as Hitler and then as a "ghost" with a pointy white hat. Yup, I can see how some of that could piss people off. But that's kind of the point. The absurdity of the situations combined with absolute inappropriateness is what makes the show so damn funny (i.e the one where the world learned that it was finally okay to laugh at AIDS)

Well, I guess I spoke too soon. I guess nothing is sacred with that program. I have found it humorous in the past, but I had no idea they could go off into such dark humor.